Dr. Balaji Krishnamurthy has been recognized by TIME, CNN, Wall Street Journal and othernational publications for his unique and innovative style of corporate leadership. TIME magazine included him in their list of 25 Global Business Influentials for his influence on corporate leadership. Unlike most consultants, he is an operating executive with 30 years of experience as a corporate leader in both large and small corporations, during which he has personally modeled his innovative leadership principles.
The prestigious Birla Institute of Technology and Science, in Pilani, India, awarded Balaji his BS and MS degrees in mathematics. He earned a PhD in computer science from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, in 1981. With a strong track record as a general manager, Balaji earned his stripes in engineering, marketing and general management roles during a 15-year tenure with test-and-measurement device maker Tektronix. At the laboratories of Tektronix and General Electric Co., Balaji established himself as a world-recognized researcher in various computer and electrical engineering fields of study.
As President and CEO of Planar Systems from 1999 to 2005, he led the company’s transformation from a display component manufacturer to a full-service provider of flat-panel display hardware and software. Even as the technology industry collapsed, annual sales of this Nasdaq high-tech company more than doubled under his watch, to $256 million.
With an incisive intellect and engaging communication style, coupled with an extensive background in science and technology, Balaji has become known for innovative, metric-based solutions to business challenges. For example, he placed himself last in line for payout from Planar’s variable compensation plan, explaining that “those with the highest capacity to influence results should be rewarded only if they’ve first discharged their stewardship responsibilities to other stakeholders.” Among the behavioral qualities he daily strives to build into his organization’s culture are “speed and agility,” which he models himself for anyone who tries to keep up with him.Dr.
Krishnamurthy frequently speaks at national events on leadership, as
well as on stewardship and transparency in corporate cultures.He hosts three different workshops with LogiStyle, covering the topics of leadership and corporate culture. Balaji
defines leadership as the product of leverage and legacy. He feels
leaders must seek to influence a large number of people over a time
long beyond their tenure. He is known for building an intentional
culture within organizations that promotes empowerment, and logical and
critical thinking. Using provocative logic and a passionate style of
delivery, Balaji has an uncanny ability to cause people to reconcile their
personal convictions with their logical conclusions. It is only fitting
that the motto of his consulting company is to help corporations
develop logical leadership. Balaji, 57, resides in Portland, Oregon. As an amateur magician he is always good for a quick card-trick. He has a passion for sports. As he says, “give me a team, rules and a goal; I’m there!”
Balaji sends out a monthly Food For Thought mailing, which outlines a different thought-provokingand controversial business concept every month.To sign up for these electronic mailings, please click here.
*If you would like to set up a one-on-one meeting with Balaji, click here to see when he will be in your area!*